Heat-related illnesses, especially dangerous for the elderly and children
Drink plenty of water and choose clothes that are well-ventilated.
With heat wave warnings in effect for most parts of the country for a long time, the number of patients with heat-related illnesses has reached close to 3,100.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)’s report status on the heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system on the 24th, a total of 3,084 heat-related illness patients were reported from May 20 to the previous day. This is an increase of 22 from the previous day. This is the second highest number since the KDCA began the heat-related illness surveillance system in 2011. The year with the highest number of heat-related illness patients was 2018 (4,526).
Heat-related illnesses are acute diseases caused by heat when exposed to a hot environment for a long time. There are various types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from relatively mild sunstroke to heatstroke, which can lead to death.
Professor Kim Han-bit of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital said, “When exposed to heat, most of the blood in our body moves to the skin to lower body temperature,” adding, “The longer the exposure, the more moisture is lost and the less blood flow to the brain, which can lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness.”
In order to prevent heat-related illnesses, it is safe to refrain from outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, from noon to 5 p.m., when a heat wave warning or alert is issued. If you must go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat, parasol, or arm warmers to block sunlight, and wear light, well-ventilated clothing. If you experience symptoms such as muscle cramps or dizziness while doing outdoor activities, you should rest in a cool place immediately. In addition, it is most important to drink plenty of water frequently to avoid thirst. Water is better than sugary or caffeinated beverages.
Heat-related illnesses are especially dangerous for the elderly. As we age, our sweat glands function less, which weakens our ability to regulate body temperature and our ability to feel thirst, etc. In addition, the older we are, the higher the probability of having chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, so we should be careful not to be exposed to heat waves.
Children have an underdeveloped body temperature control function and low sweat production and thirst response when dehydrated, so they should drink water frequently even if they are not thirsty and refrain from excessive physical activity. It is forbidden to leave children alone in a hot space without a guardian, even for a short time.
Professor Kim said, “In particular, if heatstroke is suspected, in which the body temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and consciousness is reduced, you must report it to 119 and actively take emergency measures, such as loosening the patient’s clothing, spraying cool water, or using a fan to lower the body temperature.”
| 5 Types of Heat-related Illnesses and Warning Signs |
| It is important to know the types and warning signs of heat-related illness in advance. What if you are dehydrated and lack electrolytes when exposed to heat for a long time? ‘Heatstroke (heat exhaustion)’ If you are in a hot environment for a long time and do not replenish water properly, you may get heatstroke. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, weakness, fever, sweating, flushing, tachycardia, vomiting, and confusion. Also called ‘heat exhaustion’, you should rest in a cool place and replenish water and electrolytes. However, if you have a high fever of 40 degrees or more or changes in consciousness, you may need active treatment such as rapid cooling therapy. What if you are exposed to heat for a long time but do not sweat and experience nausea, vomiting, or changes in consciousness? ‘Heatstroke’ Heatstroke occurs when the elderly, heart disease patients, dementia patients, alcoholics, and mentally ill patients are exposed to hot and humid environments for a long period of time. The symptoms may seem similar to sunstroke, but heatstroke does not cause sweating. Instead, severe nausea and vomiting occur, and consciousness changes occur. The core body temperature exceeds 40 degrees. In this case, the patient should be moved to the shade immediately, the clothes should be loosened, the patient should be wiped with a cool towel, and 119 should be called to quickly transport the patient to the hospital. Giving the patient cold water to drink can help lower the body temperature, but if the patient is unconscious, suffocation can occur, so caution is required. What if you get muscle cramps after exercising for a long time in the heat? ‘Heat cramps’ If you exercise for a long time in the midsummer heat, you will sweat more than usual, and muscle cramps can easily occur at this time. The cause is not known for sure, but it is likely related to electrolyte imbalance. If heat cramps occur, you should stretch your muscles in a cool shade. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least several hours. Resting and drinking or replenishing fluids containing electrolytes will help with recovery. If you do not have an electrolyte drink prepared, you can supplement it with one or two teaspoons of salt in 1 liter of water. What if your body can’t adapt to extreme heat and you faint? ‘Heat fainting’ When exposed to extreme heat, the elderly or children may not be able to adapt to the outside temperature. At this time, mild fainting symptoms may appear. This is because blood volume decreases and peripheral blood vessels dilate. Simple heat syncope is easily recovered with rest in most cases. Find a cool shade, pay attention to breathing and pulse, lower the head, and replenish fluids. Prolonged exposure to hot sunlight can cause the skin to turn red and become painful. In severe cases, blisters may form, or the face, arms, and legs may swell and become hot. This is called sunburn. It literally means getting burned by sunlight. To prevent sunburn, avoid going outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on clear, cloudless summer days. This is when direct sunlight is at its strongest. At other times, it is recommended to cover exposed areas of skin with thin outerwear or thoroughly apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Prevention is the best, but if these symptoms occur, it is recommended to apply a cold compress. If the pain is severe, it can be controlled with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. |
Reporter Kim Shin-a [email protected]
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2024-08-28 04:17:32